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febber's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness and Death of parent
Minor: Vomit, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
simplyammee's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness
Moderate: Blood and Vomit
Minor: Murder
_andviolet's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is the best fantasy novel I've read in a while. The authors beautiful descriptions of a dynastic Chinese kingdom embued with magical traditions fuels this story of a girl's entanglement with political strife on her journey to save her family. This truly is a story for Asian drama lovers, expecially if you're a fan of traditional/royal settings and plenty of plot twists that you may, or may not, see coming. I'd even add on if you're a fan of the characters and rebellion of the Hunger Games, the pacing and plot of this novel will feel right for you.
Even if you're not familiar with any Chinese mythos, teas, or names, the story is very easy to get into with the introductory chapters and it flows right into the beginning of the overarching plot. The authors descriptions of scenery and sensations when brewing magic tea pulls you into the world like you're dreaming along with the main character Ning, and it quickly becomes addicting. You don't need to become an expert in the medicinal properties of the tea in order to appreciate the beauty of the magic system.
The novel does well with sectioning its story into arcs similar to a movie, but the last 70 or so pages become a real page turner, setting up the plot for the sequel. If you're doing a bookclub/read along with a friend, I recommend the following stopping points for discussion:
(1) Beginning to chapter 10, (2)Ch.10 to end of Ch. 15, (3) Ch. 16 to end of Ch. 20, (4) Ch. 21 to end of ch. 25, (5) Ch. 26 to ch. 32, (6) Ch. 33 to END.
Full story Spoilers Ahead
Because the plot is so easy to get into from the beginning, I very quickly read through the first 10 chapters in one day. What really got me hooked was the way the author wrote that first meeting of Ning and Bo (Kang) and the scene at the teahouse.
Already I was able to sense the pining and tension between these two characters, it even took my own breath away as I read it. Every moment between the two was fleeting yet longing, just as how it would feel to pine after a love interest in real life. I will admit, even though it became apparent by the time of the Emperors mourning that the story was heading towards focusing on its civil war arc, I was so incredibly heartbroken with the rift that forced Ning and Kang to "split." The sudden betrothal during the final trial even made my heart drop for Ning- everything came crashing down on her so fast after this point. With what little pages left for plot, I knew I had to order the sequel so that I could begin reading it as soon as I finished this novel.
Despite their blooming relationship not being the focus of the plot, really at any point, it is a big interest for me because of how "unfair" the Court life is for the both of them. They both became scarred and banished in someway at the behest of those in political power. With the novel's track record for foreshadowing, I still hold hope that Kang is being used just like Zhen.
Of course, due to the book having already announced the story would be split into 2 novels, there are a lot of questions left unanswered at the end after such a fast exit- certain truths and motivations, and perhaps in my rush to finish, a lack of foreshadowing that could give me any hint as to what I can expect to come.Whatever happens in the sequel, I'm glad to see that Ning's main goal to save her sister was resolved in the end, a full circle that still leaves me left wanting more.
Even if you're not familiar with any Chinese mythos, teas, or names, the story is very easy to get into with the introductory chapters and it flows right into the beginning of the overarching plot. The authors descriptions of scenery and sensations when brewing magic tea pulls you into the world like you're dreaming along with the main character Ning, and it quickly becomes addicting. You don't need to become an expert in the medicinal properties of the tea in order to appreciate the beauty of the magic system.
The novel does well with sectioning its story into arcs similar to a movie, but the last 70 or so pages become a real page turner, setting up the plot for the sequel. If you're doing a bookclub/read along with a friend, I recommend the following stopping points for discussion:
(1) Beginning to chapter 10, (2)Ch.10 to end of Ch. 15, (3) Ch. 16 to end of Ch. 20, (4) Ch. 21 to end of ch. 25, (5) Ch. 26 to ch. 32, (6) Ch. 33 to END.
Full story Spoilers Ahead
Already I was able to sense the pining and tension between these two characters, it even took my own breath away as I read it. Every moment between the two was fleeting yet longing, just as how it would feel to pine after a love interest in real life. I will admit, even though it became apparent by the time of the Emperors mourning that the story was heading towards focusing on its civil war arc, I was so incredibly heartbroken with the rift that forced Ning and Kang to "split." The sudden betrothal during the final trial even made my heart drop for Ning- everything came crashing down on her so fast after this point. With what little pages left for plot, I knew I had to order the sequel so that I could begin reading it as soon as I finished this novel.
Despite their blooming relationship not being the focus of the plot, really at any point, it is a big interest for me because of how "unfair" the Court life is for the both of them. They both became scarred and banished in someway at the behest of those in political power. With the novel's track record for foreshadowing, I still hold hope that Kang is being used just like Zhen.
Of course, due to the book having already announced the story would be split into 2 novels, there are a lot of questions left unanswered at the end after such a fast exit- certain truths and motivations, and perhaps in my rush to finish, a lack of foreshadowing that could give me any hint as to what I can expect to come.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death and Misogyny
xiggy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Terminal illness, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
spongebobbiii's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was an utter delight to read! I immediately became enthralled with the story and the characters. Its hard to describe, but the book just felt calming and magical. The only detractor was that the middle section of the books kinda lags, but overall this was a well written and entertaining story. Plus just look at how gorgeous this cover is!!
Next up....i'm going to go binge book 2! :P
Next up....i'm going to go binge book 2! :P
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness and Death of parent
eviethebookworm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness, Violence, and Death of parent
indeedithappens's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Gaslighting, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Torture, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and War
cattheteawitchfairy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Really interesting text with a complex yet well thought out magic system and beautiful relations to Chinese mythology.
I really enjoyed this text but I would have liked to see some of the other characters a little more fleshed out i.e. The Princess etc.
The cliffhanger ending was infuriating but it just means I need to read the next book!
Would recommend, especially if you like tea!
I really enjoyed this text but I would have liked to see some of the other characters a little more fleshed out i.e. The Princess etc.
The cliffhanger ending was infuriating but it just means I need to read the next book!
Would recommend, especially if you like tea!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Terminal illness, Vomit, Death of parent, and Classism
scrubsandbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Death of parent, and Classism
chris_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The magic and atmosphere were the standouts here. I love what they did with the tea brewing and Chinese mythology. There were aspects I really admire, like the lead being a healer, which we don't see a lot. The rest however... Well let's just say I've read a fair amount of ya fantasy in my time. The genre has some well established tropes, so a lot of the plot points and archetypes felt very familiar. I still think it's a good book, and perfectly adequate debut. But I'm not particularly charmed by it. I wasn't intending to read the next one either, but it ended on a big fat cliffhanger, so now I gotta.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
Moderate: Terminal illness, Grief, and Classism
Minor: Animal cruelty, Confinement, and Death